14. The star on the helmet, best logo in all of sports and instantly recognized around the globe.

13. Jerry Jones and his eternal pursuit to prove he can win without Jimmy Johnson.

12. Hail Mary, Roger to Drew.

11. Bullet Bob Hayes, my first sports hero.

10. The pull, the popularity and the animosity, making them the NFL’s most important franchise.

9. Tex Schramm and his timeless innovations that still shape the game today.

8. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

7. Tony Dorsett, 99 yards.

6. The Hall-of-Fame Triplets — Troy, Michael and Emmitt.

5. The iconic hole in the roof, making the Cowboys’ home the most unique venue in the world.

4. Tom Landry’s enduring class. And omnipresent statue.

3. Passionate, stubborn, irrational fans that demand the best but keep coming back even in the wake of the worst.

2. Five Super Bowl banners.

1. Born before the Rangers and Mavericks in DFW, they’ll always be my first true sports love.

A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently writes a sports/guy stuff blog at DFWSportatorium.com and lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.